Effexor Xr - when do you take your dose, how long does the tiredness last?

I have just started taking generic Effexor ER 75 mg. My dr told me to take it in the morning, but the first 2 days it made me so tired, I called and said the pharmicist said if it made me tired to take it at bedtime was that OK, and he said yes, so I did that last night and was awake from 12:30 on, along with taking an Ambien at bedtime. I'd like to know when do others take their dose? Does the symptom of tiredness go away? Any other help you can provide is much appreciated. Thank you kindly

Responses (6)

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NE

nenag26 May 2012

Hello Sleepy99, i take it at night and im always tired. The yawning goes away but for me the tiredness did not. Everyone is different, give it at least 6 weeks and if things do not improve talk to your Dr. God Bless - nena

I take 75 mg two times a day. One in the am and one in late afternoon. If I take it near bedtime I'm awake all night. You will get used to it, and the drowziness should end. I still can't take it at bedtime and sleep.

EL

ellinam28 May 2012

i feel very confused about it! itake it in tha morning 8 am time of greece and near to 4 pm i feel so sleepy that i am sleeping till 9 pm. then of course i cant sleep till 3 in the morning! i wake up sleepy, tired and again the same circle.what can i do?

I am very big on sticking with what the prescribing physician said until I can get his/her permission and approval to change, especially since not your mixing it with Ambien.

This is not only wise for your health but works wonders with your Doc's impression of your integrity in the future, should you even need anything in the future. Just another opinion in a world full of them, hope it helps.

Votes:+1

PA

papasam26 May 2012

Been there and done that. Everyone is completely different but I had to take mine as early as possible and still had to take a sleep aid. But I had tons of energy. Like I said everyone is different.

Votes:+1

IN

Inactive26 May 2012

You may want to ask your doctor if you can start on a lower dose. I started on 37.5mg/day for the first week then went up to 75mg. Kim.

Votes:+1

IN

Inactive28 May 2012

Hello sleepy99. Unfortunately this is one of the major complaints to taking Effexor. I might change to the plain Effexor and not the extend release. Regards, pledge

DW

dwarddo12 Oct 2014

Timed-release generally helps mitigate most side effects because of peaks and valleys being leveled off. It is usually the peaking blood levels that intensify side effects.

LI

livingtoday21 Oct 2014

I didnt even realize they still gave out the Effexor non- XR anymore..wow. yeah go XR. You'll get over the sleep hump or should eventually. Common expectation of antidepressants. You have to live with it if its doing its job, or add on wellbutrin or another med for fatigue if you need to go that route. I did, but I was also dx with chronic fatigue later in life.